Halo Infinite Design Head\'s Studio Halts Its First Game Project

Jar of Sparks, NetEase-backed Studio, Pauses Development on Debut Title

Jerry Hook, former design lead for Halo Infinite, announced that his studio, Jar of Sparks, has temporarily halted development on its first game project. The studio, operating under NetEase, was aiming to create a "next-generation narrative-driven action game," but is now actively seeking a new publishing partner.

NetEase, a prominent global video game company, currently supports live-service titles such as Once Human and the recently launched Marvel Rivals. The latter's success, including the recent Season 1 Battle Pass announcement and upcoming Fantastic Four content, highlights NetEase's commitment to its existing projects.

Hook's LinkedIn post confirmed the development pause, emphasizing the studio's search for a partner capable of realizing their creative vision. He expressed pride in the team's innovative work and bold risks taken during development. While layoffs weren't explicitly mentioned, Hook indicated the team would be exploring new opportunities and assisting members in finding new roles in the coming weeks.

This isn't NetEase's first collaboration with a veteran developer from a major franchise. In 2022, former Resident Evil producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi established GPTRACK50 Studios under NetEase.

The news comes amidst ongoing adjustments within the Halo franchise. Following challenges with Halo Infinite's post-launch support and the reception of the Paramount+ series, 343 Industries' rebranding to Halo Studios and the shift to Unreal Engine suggest a potential revitalization for the franchise.

While Jar of Sparks' future remains uncertain, the search for a new publisher presents an opportunity for the studio to secure the resources necessary to complete its ambitious project. The team's experience and innovative approach suggest a promising future, regardless of the current setback.

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